Dawn of Spring

Chapter 23

Chapter 23

Ahana pushed the door open and was greeted by the dazzling glow of the ballroom. Sparkling lights hung from grand chandeliers on the beautifully painted ceiling, casting a warm, golden light over the marble floors. The walls shimmered softly, like gentle ripples on water. In the center, a large dance floor stood surrounded by plush leather couches. Waiters in crisp white uniforms moved gracefully, offering champagne to the well-dressed crowd. The guests, a mix of classic elegance and bold fashion, mingled with laughter and easy conversation, enjoying the luxuries of their exclusive world.

How pretentious! She was tempted to roll her eyes.

She decided to go with a simple ball gown and a matching set of heels and accessories that Vivaan luckily dropped in her bags after leaving her alone to order food. Given her state, she was a little annoyed, but came around quickly, realizing she was fighting a losing battle of arguments.

He stood beside her, impeccably outfitted in an immaculate suit, his jet black hair neatly combed. He seemed born to blend in with the high society's glitzy lifestyles.

In comparison, she felt like a fish out of water, while he fit right in. He looked like he belonged here, in this world of glistening chandeliers and perfectly curated faces.

Where's the surprise in that? Ahana wondered.  She felt like an imposter, awkward in her new dress, surrounded by people who all seemed to have been born for this. She couldn't help but fidget, glancing around at the sea of strangers.

"Just relax," he whispered, feeling her tense up. "It's not that hard once you get to know them."

"What happens after you get know them?" she asked, still unsure of the social dance she was supposed to be playing.

"You ignore them," he replied casually. "Simple."

Ahana couldn't help but laugh a little, despite herself. "Sounds like you're speaking from experience."

He offered her his arm. "You could say that."

She hesitated for a moment, but then, feeling the tug of his arm and the soft encouragement in his voice, she placed her hand on his. As they moved through the crowd, her heart picked up pace, a rhythm she couldn't control. She could feel all eyes on them, especially on her, and it made her self-conscious. 

Why was everyone staring?

Suddenly, her breath hitched, and she turned her head to glance at him. "Is there something on my face?" she asked.

Vivaan spared her a quick glance, his expression calm, but his lips curled into the faintest smile. "Let me see," he said, his voice gentle.

Before she could stop him, he cupped her chin with one hand, turning her face toward him. His fingertips brushed across her jaw with smooth, deliberate care, right in the middle of the floor, as if they were the only two people in the room. Ahana froze, her pulse racing, her chest tightening at the intimate gesture. She could feel the lingering gazes of the other partygoers on them.

Instinctively, she reached up and grabbed his hand, pulling it away, her gaze moving around the room. "Everyone's staring," she said, her voice slightly flustered. Wasn't it obvious?

"Hence why I'm checking if something's on your face," he said, his lips twitching into a smile he couldn't suppress.

Ahana rolled her eyes, trying to hide the warmth that had spread across her face. "Right. I'm sure that's why you did it."

He chuckled, his hand still lightly holding hers. "Honestly, you look great, bur maybe a little less nervousness would be nice."

She looked up at him, surprised by the sincerity in his voice. "I don't exactly know how to do this," she admitted, her voice quieter now. "I mean, all these people, this... this place. I don't fit in here."